Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Modesto, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 57.8% more expensive than Modesto, CA. This translates to spending an extra $4335 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Modesto, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Modesto, CA, you'd need approximately $202,018.349 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Modesto, CA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 143.7% more expensive than in Modesto, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,800/month in Modesto, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Modesto, CA to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $4335 more per month than Modesto, CA, or $52018 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Modesto, CA vs Seattle, WA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Modesto, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.3K/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $202.0K in Seattle, WA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 57.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,335

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$52.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Modesto, CA

Population:218K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$424K

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

158

(58% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Modesto, CA

The Golden State

218K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 218K residents.

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Modesto, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Modesto, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,092/mo	$7,536/mo	↑ $4,444more	143.7%
Transportation	$1,475/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $423more	28.7%
Healthcare	$502/mo	$824/mo	↑ $322more	64.2%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $251more	14.6%
All Utilities	$530/mo	$481/mo	↓ $49.18less	9.3%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $9.99less	0.9%

Housing

↑ 143.7%

Modesto, CA

$3,092

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$4,444

Transportation

↑ 28.7%

Modesto, CA

$1,475

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$423

Healthcare

↑ 64.2%

Modesto, CA

$502

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$322

Other

↑ 14.6%

Modesto, CA

$1,724

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$251

All Utilities

↓ 9.3%

Modesto, CA

$530

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$49.18

less

Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Modesto, CA

$1,089

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$9.99

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,290

To$2,180

↑ $890

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$2,260

↑ $870

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$2,630

↑ $830

3 Bed

From$2,500

To$3,440

↑ $940

Modesto, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,780/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,413

Monthly in Modesto, CA

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$5,381

Difference

Home Values

Modesto

Seattle

$424K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +26.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$371K - $513K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 91% more expensive than Modesto

Calculate payment - Modesto Calculate payment - Seattle

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Modesto, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Modesto, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.